Two NC men arrested in Howard's Rock vandalism

Published: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 2:07 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 2:07 p.m.

CLEMSON – Two North Carolina men have been arrested in the case of vandalism to Howard's Rock, an iconic symbol of the Clemson University football program.

Clemson University police charged Michael J. Rogers, 46, of Pisgah Forest, and Alden James Gainey, 17, of Brevard, each with felony counts of conspiracy and obstructing justice. Rogers is a member of the Transylvania County Board of education.

The two men appeared before a Pickens County Magistrate Friday, and each was released on a personal recognizance bond of $7,500.

Police say the rock was damaged earlier this summer on the night of June 2. The protective casing was destroyed and a portion of the rock was chipped away. The incident was partially captured by a video surveillance camera.

Micah Rogers of Pisgah Forest, the son of Michael, was arrested June 28 and charged with malicious injury to animals or personal property valued at more than $2,000, but less than $10,000; and trespassing, unlawful entry into enclosed places.

Tawny McCoy, chairman of the Transylvania County Board of Education, was unavailable for comment at press time, as was Superintendent Jeff McDaris.

<p>CLEMSON – Two North Carolina men have been arrested in the case of vandalism to Howard's Rock, an iconic symbol of the Clemson University football program.</p><p>Clemson University police charged Michael J. Rogers, 46, of Pisgah Forest, and Alden James Gainey, 17, of Brevard, each with felony counts of conspiracy and obstructing justice. Rogers is a member of the Transylvania County Board of education.</p><p>The two men appeared before a Pickens County Magistrate Friday, and each was released on a personal recognizance bond of $7,500.</p><p>Police say the rock was damaged earlier this summer on the night of June 2. The protective casing was destroyed and a portion of the rock was chipped away. The incident was partially captured by a video surveillance camera.</p><p>Micah Rogers of Pisgah Forest, the son of Michael, was arrested June 28 and charged with malicious injury to animals or personal property valued at more than $2,000, but less than $10,000; and trespassing, unlawful entry into enclosed places.</p><p>Tawny McCoy, chairman of the Transylvania County Board of Education, was unavailable for comment at press time, as was Superintendent Jeff McDaris.</p>